Sub Location on 93 Sport

[mndanielsncsu]

I've tried searching, but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for.

I have a 93 Sport and I'm trying to find the best location for a 10" Sub, without loosing what precious little storage space I have. I currently have a 10" Clarion in a box under the lift-up passenger seat, but hate loosing that space. So, I talked to some guys at a local shop and picked up the new JL Audio 10" Marine Sub with inifinte baffle to put under the dash in the kickplate. I installed it and have been very disappointed. I was hoping/expecting a lot more. I have a 10w3v3 in my 4Runner which crushes it, but this Marine sub is weak, to say the least. I can't figure out what the deal is.

That being said, has anyone found any better places for a 10" sub? Also, anyone had any good experiences with this 10" JL Marine sub? Pictures are welcomed...

[2gofaster]

RE: Sub Location on 93 Sport

Well, is it possible you don't have enough amp power to drive that JL? What Amp are you using?

[mndanielsncsu]

It's being pushed by a 420W Clarion APX1301 Mono Amp. I have the same amp in my 4Runner pushing my 10w3v3 and it's plenty.

[2gofaster]

Any free air(infinite baffle) sub is going to have less bass extension and will usually have a less defined or muddy sound. Typically they depend on using the entire trunk(such as in a car) for the enclosure which means the front or baffle needs to be somewhat sealed. In your application, this may not be very easy to do and could be the reason for your issues.

[noti_dad]

I had a 94 sport and put it under the step/walkthrough to the bow. Vent it and power it and it will vibrate the whole boat. I think the 93 has the same setup.

[mndanielsncsu]

Fortunately, the guys at the local stereo shop where I got the JL Marine sub from, let me switch it out for a JL 10w3v3. I think I'm going to remake the kickplate and build a box off the back of it, using the specs that JL recommends for optimal performance on of the 10w3.

For anyone who has made their own box for a boat, what type of wood are you using? I'm thinking that I'll probably use MDF, put a base coat of paint on it, spray on some truck bedliner (spray paint kind from Autozone/Wal-Mart), then put carpet over it, to avoid getting any moisture into the wood. What are the thoughts on that?

[verbier123]

On my 97 sport I custom built a fiberglass box under the storage locker. It follows the curve of the hull and is flush with the interior side panels. It take up very little noticeable space that way. I used marine carpet, the baffle was made with plywood coated with fiberglass resin. I WOULD NEVER USE MDF AS IT IS JUST A SPONGE FOR WATER! I can post a picture of the install. I managed two get two additional batteries in the locker and still have space for a smaller cooler.

[kopp210]

I used MDF and coated it with bedliner, then carpet. Been pounding 6 years strong with no issues. MDF is a sponge though. Seal it inside and out.

[mndanielsncsu]

verbier... can you post a picture? I'd like to see your setup. Sounds like an option that I haven't considered though I've never done any fiberglass work before.

[verbier123]

Here they are, like I said all fiberglass except the front where the sub is mounted to. I suppose to save time, you could make the sides out of plywood and only fiberglass the back wall that sits up against the hull. I wanted to avoid wood if at all possible. I placed cardboard to help form the sides and top of the box. Once I had enough layers for it to be stable, I moved the box out of the boat and fiberglassed more layers. I got the carpet at west marine. The box is a little on the small side for the subwoofer, so I added some of that box stuffing which I got at parts express.





I forgot to mention that that is a 12" sub.

[mf01]

verbier123 - How many CF is your sub box? I was looking at putting a sub in that area, but it seems too small from my measurements. I want to go ported, but I'm guessing yours is sealed.